The last surviving musician to have accompanied music hall legend Max Miller has died following a road crash.

Clive Allen, 86, died on the 40th anniversary of Max's death after the accident in Lewes Road, Brighton.

Mr Allen was hit by a slow-moving car as he stepped off the pavement.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and later transferred to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath where he died of his injuries.

Mr Allen helped set up the Max Miller Appreciation Society and served as its vice-president.

He was well known as a pianist at hotels and restaurants in Brighton.

He was the last remaining link with the musical team put together by Max, who lived in Burlington Street, Brighton.

Mr Allen toured the country with Max and wrote several of his songs.

He also wrote music for Bruce Forsyth, the late Russ Conway and the Beverley Sisters.

The musician was a regular at the Windmill Theatre, London, with Bobby Joy and Barry Cryer.

Broadcaster and writer John Henty, chairman of the Max Miller Appreciation Society, said: "We all loved Clive and he was a fantastic person to be with. He was always telling jokes and loved being part of showbusiness."

The news of his death was announced to members of the society at its annual dinner at the Brighton Hotel.

The society has just been given the go-ahead by Brighton and Hove City Council to erect a statue of Max in New Road, Brighton, close to the Theatre Royal.

Sculptor Peter Webster has been commissioned to carve the statue and the society has raised £15,000 towards the costs.

Mr Allen, a widower, leaves two sons and two daughters.